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Neuropsychologist Addresses the Spiritual Component of Depression

The World Health Organization says, “Globally, more than 300 million people of all ages suffer from depression. Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide (2017). At its worst, depression can lead to suicide. Close to 800,000 people die due to suicide every year, the leading cause of death in 15 to 29 year olds.”

A Christian neuropsychologist was one of the 300 million in that statistic. Dr. Michelle Bengtson, a board certified clinical neuropsychologist who has diagnosed and treated patients with depression for over 25 years, suffered severe depression herself. Only when she addressed the spiritual roots of depression did she find help and healing. Dr. Bengtson shares both her clinical expertise and her personal experience in Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey through Depression Bible Study (Redemption Press 2017).

This companion Bible study to the original Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey through Depression (Revell 2016) offers a 12-chapter study to help readers go deeper into God’s word for greater life change and transformation. Each chapter contains personal vignettes, thought-provoking, Scripture-based questions, personal reflection and application questions, key thoughts, a recommended song playlist, and a homework “prescription.”

Dr. Bengtson, who is in private practice in Texas, says, from her personal and clinical experience, “When we address the spiritual roots of depression, help, hope, and healing are possible!” She wrote this Bible study primarily for Christian adults struggling with depression, and their loved ones, who “long to feel understood and encouraged that, despite their feelings, they are not alone and there is hope for lasting change.”